MOUNT VERNON — The rape trial of Gary Thomas Keesee Jr. entered its second week with the judge dismissing five counts.
Defense attorney Samuel Shamansky cited Rule 29 in asking Knox County Common Pleas Judge Richard Wetzel to dismiss counts 28 through 32 on Monday.
The counts related to Victim 4 and include two first-degree rape charges and three gross sexual imposition charges. The sexual imposition charges are third-degree felonies.
Victim 4 testified on Friday about assaults that allegedly occurred in the basement and barn at Keesee’s Sharp Road home in Knox County. She had difficulty speaking and had to leave the courtroom.
Wetzel dismissed the counts based on her inability to return for cross-examination.
Keesee still faces 27 counts, including 11 charges of first-degree rape; 11 counts of sexual imposition, a third-degree felony; and five counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, fourth-degree felonies.
The three alleged victims related to these charges were all minors at the time the incidents occurred.
Monday’s testimony included two pastors associated with Faith Life Church, a victim’s relative, and a Licking County detective.
Defendant’s brother raises concerns
Former FLC pastor Tim Keesee served as executive pastor until about three months ago when he was put on leave. He said is he unaware of why he was terminated.
Tim Keesee is Tom Keesee’s brother.
He said he was aware of some information relating to Victim 2 prior to her social media post in February 2025. He testified he had a conversation with his parents about his concerns about Tom and asked them to not allow Tom to come in contact with youth groups.
Tim Keesee testified he had a conversation with the defendant in which Tom acknowledged something occurred between him and Victim 1 but said it was not physical.
Tim Keesee also testified Tom said he met with Victim 1’s parents.
Defense attorney Sam Shamansky questioned Tim Keesee about his statement to detectives that he was unaware of anything until the February social media post.
Tim Keesee also acknowledged that Tom told him Victim 1 was dressing to entice him and that he never witnessed improprieties.
A relative of Victim 2 testified the families of Victim 1 and Victim 2 spent a lot of time together, including overnight events at each others homes.
She said she was aware prior to 2024 that something happened to Victim 2 and had the impression Keesee’s mother knew. She said did not know details until the alleged victim sent a note in February 2025.
Shamansky questioned the relative about her statement to authorities that she had no knowledge of anything occurring prior to the social media post.
Defense rests after calling one witness
Captain Gus Moore of the Licking County Sheriff’s Office testified about initial case documents and that he interviewed victims 1, 2, and 3. He said he saw no indication they were being coached, making up stories, or coordinating stories.
On cross-examination, Moore said he did not have a copy of the note Victim 2 sent. He said he learned of but never saw possible affidavits. He did not ask Victim 1 if she completed an affidavit because he had her statement.
The prosecution rested its case shortly before 11 a.m. Shamansky called only one witness, Gary Thomas Keesee Sr.
Keesee Sr. and his wife, Drenda, are senior pastors at Faith Life Church.
He testified he recalled a meeting in December 2024 to discuss the social media allegations. He said the pastors received threatening messages and packages in the mail.
Keesee Sr. testified there was nothing at that time to suggest sexual abuse.
He said he knew nothing about Victim 1, that Victim 1’s father was his best friend, and that the relationship changed between the two families when Keesee Jr. divorced Victim 1’s sister.
Special Prosecutor Jenny Wells questioned Keesee Sr. about a video he made after the social media post and differences between his testimony and the victims.
He acknowledged Tom mentioned allegations by Victim 1 and that Tom told him nothing was going on.
Keesee Sr. testified he recalled a conversation relating to concerns about Tom in which he said he would take Tom out of the church’s “Fire and Ice” production.
The defense rested its case at 12:10 p.m.
Knox Pages is not using names or specific details to protect the identies of the alleged victims.
The bench trial before Judge Wetzel will resume Tuesday at 10 a.m. for closing arguments.
